“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ~ Charles Dickens

10 Things Food Banks Need But Won’t Ask For

Some items are in high demand at the food bank and you may not realize it. Because they aren’t essentials, the staff doesn’t publicly ask for them. A survey asked volunteers what items people would be most appreciative of and we’ve listed the top 10 below. If you’re looking for an easy way to help out, pick some of these up while shopping and drop them off at one of our area food banks.

And remember! Food banks love cash donations because it allows them to buy whatever they need!

If you don’t know where your local food bank is, you can go here: Feeding America.

Also, many local churches have food pantries. You can find one in your area by going here: Food Pantries.

**********

From someone who has used a food bank:

As a sometimes food pantry user myself and with friends who rely on them to varying degrees – I want to specifically stress some of these:

– non-food items like tp and feminine products and baby needs are SO incredibly important because 1) they are rarely donated, 2) people who have food stamps can often afford their food staples but might still need help with toiletries and cleaning items, and 3) folks who are homeless especially need that kinda stuff!

– treats! Like, yes of course, if I am in need I am appreciative of canned goods and rice and pasta and stuff. That’s great for putting together healthy meals. But everyone needs a treat once in awhile – so when there is candy or chips or a nice expensive brand of organic something or other available at the pantry – it is just so incredibly exciting.

It can be a humiliating experience to visit a pantry, and it can make you feel very much less than. So to get a treat of some sort just really really makes a difference. And believe me – there are enough loaves of bread, cans of fruit, and dried beans to go around at these places. You won’t be starving someone by donating some microwave popcorn or chocolate chips now and again. I promise!

2 thoughts on ““No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ~ Charles Dickens”

One more thing – Dignity. I worked at the OASIS in Portsmouth with my church. We fed the homeless. We made the food and served them. I waited on them as if they were in a 5 star restaurant. The older people got to me the most. And for some odd reason, all of them, would smother everything in Ranch dressing! And mean SMOTHER. They all had stories. It was very rewarding.

Pages

“Pulvis et umbra sumus. (We are but dust and shadow.)” ~ Horace

Welcome. Here you will find posts on just about anything, from the mundane to the insane, the outlandish to the sublime. I include a wide selection of quotes, images and music in most of my posts. If I am unable to present new content, I rely on that old favorite—the reblog. Be forewarned: I am a left-leaning, liberal, feminist who does not hesitate to speak my mind. Enjoy.

(Not much other social media for me except for my tumblr, Frenzy and Lightning, which you can visit here or below.) And you can find my various product reviews on Influenster here.